Horse Mud Fever: Welfare Management for Pastern Dermatitis

Mud fever is a painful pastern skin condition common in horses kept in wet conditions, causing lameness and welfare compromise when inadequately managed.

Key Facts

Mud fever (pastern dermatitis) is caused by opportunistic bacteria including Dermatophilus congolensis and Staphylococcus spp. invading macerated skin
White-legged horses with pink skin are significantly more susceptible due to reduced pigmentation-based protection
Affected horses develop painful scabs, swelling, and lameness in the pastern region requiring management during wet weather periods
Prevention through keeping pasterns dry, providing alternative ground surfaces, and regular leg inspection is far preferable to treatment
Chronic mud fever can lead to lymphedema and chronic laminar dermatitis in severely affected horses

Welfare Considerations

Mud fever causes pain and lameness that restricts normal movement and behavior in affected horses, often persisting through wet winter and spring periods. Many horse owners underestimate the pain associated with mud fever, treating it as a cosmetic problem rather than a welfare-significant condition. Prompt treatment including careful scab removal, topical antibacterial application, and keeping legs dry reduces suffering duration. Field management to provide dry standing areas and reduce prolonged mud contact prevents most cases in susceptible individuals.

What You Can Do

Provide horses with access to dry standing areas during wet weather to reduce mud fever risk
Inspect pasterns regularly in susceptible white-legged horses during wet seasons
Seek veterinary treatment promptly for mud fever cases showing swelling or lameness
Implement field management measures including sacrifice paddocks and hardstanding areas in chronically wet conditions